FAQ on Sclerotherapy
- Is Sclerotherapy Safe? The sclerotherapy agent is FDA approved. It is a safe procedure with few significant risks.
- What areas are most commonly treated? The most common areas for the application of Sclerotherapy are legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of the skin. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines.
- Does it hurt? Sclerotherapy uses a fine needle to inject a solution directly into the vein. This solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and the blood to clot. Patients may experience mild temporary cramping during the injection as the solution enters the vein.
- How soon do I see results and how long does it last? Most people will notice a dramatic improvement approximately 4 weeks after the initial treatment. The total number of treatments vary from patient to patient, depending on the type, size and quantity of veins to be treated. Spider veins may require anywhere from 2-4 sessions. Subsequent treatments are usually scheduled every 4-6 weeks to allow time for the body to respond to the treatment. Your body will continue to heal and “fade” injection sites for months after treatment. We will discuss the number of treatments you require during the consultation.
- What is done and how long is recovery? Post-treatment, we recommend using compression hose and must be worn ontinuously for 48 hours post treatment. Wearing compression hose minimizes the risk of edema, discoloration and pain. Patients are encouraged to walk or participate in low-impact exercise to prevent the formation of blood clots. You should avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting and high-impact activities such as running.
- What are the possible side-effects? Possible side effects are generally mild and may include stinging where the injection was made, temporary red raised patches, small skin sores, temporary bruises. Light-brown discoloration of the skin may develop along the vein in the injected area. The discoloration usually fades in a couple of weeks but may take a few months to totally resolve. The treated vein can also become inflamed. Applying heat and taking aspirin can relieve the inflammation.
- Which treatment is right for me: Sclerotherapy or Laser? During your consultation, we will discuss which treatment is suitable for you. Sometimes, it can be a combination treatment depending on the size of the target area.
